Photo: Frederick Choi Photography
Atlanta, September 12, 2025 – In a world where the voices of youth are increasingly catalysts for change, 17-year-old Ankita Jaikumar is not just adding to the chorus; she is leading it. Recently named one of Atlanta’s Youth Poet Laureate Ambassadors for 2024-2026, the Forsyth County high school senior is already a seasoned poet, a dynamic community organizer, and a powerful testament to the burgeoning artistic spirit within Georgia’s Asian American community.
In a recent conversation with the Georgia Asian Times, Ankita shared her journey, her vision for a more connected literary scene, and the profound role of “artivism” in her work, while also receiving mentorship on navigating the professional landscape of the arts.
The Making of a Poet: From the Page to the Protest
Ankita’s literary resume is as impressive as it is extensive. An alumna of the prestigious University of Iowa’s Between the Lines creative writing program, her work has found homes in a multitude of publications, including Mosaic Lit, Qafiyah Review, misPrinted, and Sunhouse Journal. Beyond the printed page, her voice resonates in powerful spaces: she has performed her spoken word at international markets, cultural showcases, and notably, at protests, wielding poetry as a tool for social justice.
Her commitment to “politically activated work” is further evidenced by her involvement with the Asian American Advocacy Fund’s Artivism Lab, where she has contributed to campaigns uplifting Asian American politicians and causes.
“Poetry isn't just about introspection for me; it's about connection and activation,” Ankita explained. “It’s a way to process the world around us and to call others to see that world more clearly, especially the issues affecting our communities.”
Building a Literary Community in Georgia
As a Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, Ankita’s primary mission is to foster the very community that nurtured her talent. She identified a gap in Georgia’s literary landscape for young writers, noting a desire for more local, accessible opportunities for connection and performance.
“My goal is to create a sustained, supportive community for young poets right here in Georgia,” she stated. “I want to build a network where we can share our work, critique each other, and grow together.”
Her concrete plan to achieve this involves partnering with local bookstores to host a series of open mic nights and workshops, specifically tailored for teen writers. These initiatives are designed to be incubators for talent, providing a platform for voices that are often overlooked. In addition to her community work, Ankita serves as the Poetry Executive Editor and Director of Programming for Rosetta Literary, where she helps curate and elevate the work of other young writers.
A young artist like Ankita, stands at the intersection of immense talent and increasing responsibility. She is poised not only to make her mark on the world of poetry but to consciously build a more inclusive and empowered artistic community for those who will follow.
As her tenure as Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador begins, Atlanta’s literary scene can expect to become more vibrant, more connected, and powerfully heard.
Follow Ankita’s journey and experience her work:
Instagram: @writtenbyankita
